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  • The Shortest History of China: From the Ancient Dynasties to a Modern Superpower - A Retelling for Our Times by Linda Jaivin book cover
  • The Shortest History of China: From the Ancient Dynasties to a Modern Superpower - A Retelling for Our Times by Linda Jaivin book cover
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The Shortest History of China: From the Ancient Dynasties to a Modern Superpower - A Retelling for Our Times

by Linda Jaivin

A concise history spanning dynasties and the present

$17.89 USD
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AlbakiReads Editorial

A concise history spanning dynasties and the present

Linda Jaivin’s account traces China’s history from tribal origins through the imperial era to the Communist Party under Xi Jinping. The scope brings political change into view alongside philosophical debate, military conflict, social upheaval, artistic invention and technological innovation. The description also highlights women’s history and the continuing questions of corruption and disunity in the People’s Republic. For a book covering a vast span in concise form, this offers a broad historical frame for understanding China beyond its contemporary headlines.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Readers seeking a compact overview of Chinese history from ancient origins to the present.
  • Readers interested in the connections among politics, society, ideas, and cultural innovation in China.
  • Readers looking for attention to women’s history within a broad national history.

Themes

Chinese history across dynastic and modern periodsPolitical change and state unityWomen’s historyPhilosophy, society, and cultural innovation

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

As we enter the "Asian century," China demands our attention for being an economic powerhouse, a beacon of rapid modernization, and an assertive geopolitical player. To understand the nation behind the headlines, we must take in its vibrant, tumultuous past--a story of "larger-than-life characters, philosophical arguments and political intrigues, military conflicts and social upheavals, artistic invention and technological innovation."

The Shortest History of China charts a path from China's tribal origins through its storied imperial era and up to the modern Communist Party under Xi Jinping--including the rarely told story of women in China and the specters of corruption and disunity that continue to haunt the People's Republic today. A master storyteller and exacting historian, Linda Jaivin distills this vast history into a short, riveting account that today's globally minded readers will find indispensable.

The Shortest History books deliver thousands of years of history in one riveting, fast-paced read.

#1 Bestseller in Student Travel Guides

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